Voting machine

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for selectively producing electrical pulses representative of a particular selection made by the operator of the apparatus. The apparatus is disclosed in the form of a voting machine built up of modular components which fit together to form any of a plurality of different voting arrangements. The voting machine is substantially tamper-proof and has the following basic components: an input module, a frame assembly, a first control module, a first vote module, a second control module, a second vote module, a terminal module, a write-in module, a slave input module, and a third control module. The modules may be placed together in selected fashion to define a voting machine for voting in any type of political race and which will prevent overvoting. The different modules fit together in such manner that they cannot be separated without a key to unlock the same, thereby reducing the possibility of tampering with the election results. Moreover, each module is constructed in such manner that the module may be checked prior to assembly of the voting machine to insure proper functioning of the module once it is assembled.

United States Patent [191 Martin et al. 0

[ VOTING MACHINE [75] Inventors: Roy A. Martin; Clarence E. Pittman,

both of Atlanta, Ga.

[73] Assignee: Lectra'Data, Inc., Atlanta, Ga.

[22] Filed: Nov. 28,1972

[21] Appl. No.: 310,127

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 755,688,Aug. 27, 1968,

abandoned.

52 Us. 01.... 235/50 R, 235/54 F [51] Int. Cl G07c 13/00 [58] Field ofSearch 235/50 R, 50 A, 50 B,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,289,033 7/1942 Moore235/50 R 3,024,974 3/1962 Hocker.... 235/51 3,108,743 10/1963Naugle..... 235/54 R 3,162,362 12/1964 Jazbutis.... 235/54 F 3,174,6853/1965 Swanson 235/54 R 3,188,002 6/1965 McCaskill et a1. 235/54 F3,214,091 10/1965 Clark 235/50 R 3,227,364 1/1966 Clark 235/54 F3,232,528 2/1966 Crossland et a1. 235/54 F 3,232,529 2/1966 Johnson eta1. 235/54 R Jan. 15, 1974 Primary ExaminerStephen .1. TomskyAtt0rney-George M. Hopkins et a1.

[57] ABSTRACT Apparatus for selectively producing electrical pulsesrepresentative of a particular selection made by the operator of theapparatus. The apparatus is disclosed in the form of a voting machinebuilt up of modular components which fit together to form any of aplurality of different voting arrangements. The voting machine issubstantially tamper-proof and has the following basic components: aninput module, a frame assembly, a first control module, a first votemodule, a second control module, a second vote module, a terminalmodule, a write-in module, a slave input module, and a third controlmodule. The modules may be placed together in selected fashion to definea voting machine for voting in any type of political race and which willprevent overvoting. The different modules fit together ,in such mannerthat they cannot be separated without a key to unlock the same, therebyreducing the possibility of tampering with the election results.Moreover, each module is constructed in such manner that the module maybe checked prior to assembly of the voting machine to insure properfunctioning of the module once it is assembled.

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PATENTEBJAN I 51974 sum101mg PATENTEDJAN 1 52374 PAIENTEDJAN 1 5 m4 saw11 or 12 VOTING MACHINE This is a continuation of application Ser. No.755,688, filed Aug. 27, 1968, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE lNVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This inventionrelates generally to apparatus for producing electricalpulses'representative of a particular selection made on the apparatusand more particularly to a builtup type voting machine having modularcomponents which fit together to define the complete machine.

2. Discussion of the Prior Art There are basically two types of votingmachines on' the market today. One of these types is the mechanicalvoting machine such as that manufactured by the Automatic Voting MachineCompany of Jamestown, N.Y. and another type is the vote recorder using acomputer input card as that manufactured by the l.B.M. Corporation ofArmonk, N.Y.

One of the major problems with the mechanical type voting machine is itsvery high initial cost. Also, the mechanical type voting machine isextremely heavy and requires extensive preventive maintenance to insurethat the voting machine operates properly. Moreover, the mechanical typevoting machine requires storage in a controlled environment to preventcorrosion of the voting machines during storage. The construction of themechanical type voting machine allows tampering to change the results ofthe election. Moreover, set-up for these machines is verytime-consumingand requires a skilled technician.

While the vote recorder type voting machine does not require extensivemaintenance or storage in a controlled environment, the results of theelection can be very easily changed by. placing certain objects in thevote recorder tochange the positionof the computer card therein as it isbeing punched; Moreover, the requirement that the computer card becarried to a centralized location to be r'un through the tabulatingcomputer greatly increases the likelihood of the election results beingchanged by tampering. Whilethe initial cost of the vote recorder,itself, is relatively low, the cost of the computer to total the resultsindicatedby' the computer cards from the vote recorder is veryexpensive. Moreover, set-up for'the election books for use in theserecorders is very. time-consuming. The time required for correetingerrorsis prohibitive and the necessity of vrepunching the computer cardsthat do notinitially run in the computer introduces a high risk ofelection fraud.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other problems associated with priorart voting machines are overcome by the invention disclosed herein inthat the construction of the modules used to make up the voting machineis such that the assembled voting machine cannot be tampered with tochange the election results. Moreover, the use of a minimum numberofdifferent types of modules to make up the machine greatly reduces theoverallcost of the voting machine. The use of modules to make up themachine allows the machine size to be varied in accordance withthe sizeof the election so that the machine size is kept to a minimum. Themodules are electrically connected together so that not only isover-voting prevented, but the results indicated by the machine may beTherefore, it is one of the objects of the invention to' provide avoting machine which is accurate and which prevents varying of theelection results by tampering with the machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine which mayactuate local and remote computer devices for recording the votes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine which isinexpensive to manufacture, durable in structure, and efficient inoperation.

Another object of the present invention is'to provide a voting machinethat'has few moving parts and which requires substantially nomaintenance.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine made upof modular components of minimum cost so that any one of the modularcomponents may be discarded when it functions improperly.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine which canbe serviced by inexperienced personnel. I

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine whichlends itself in an infinite variety of arrangements for different sizesand types of. elections.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine which isnot limited to a predetermined number of issues which can be presented.

Another object of the invention is toprovide a voting machine which maybe readily and easily operated.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine whichrequires minimum supervision when in use.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine whichprovides for write-in votes and which will automatically store suchwrite-in votes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine in whichthe vote counters cannot be reset until the machine is disassembled andin which the vote counters will be automatically zeroed upon assembly.of the machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine whichprovides verification to the voter of his selection of a candidate orissue and verification of the actual recording thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine whichincludes a supervisory indication to the poll worker that voting hastaken place.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine which,when the votes'are to be counted, per mits simultaneous observation ofthe counters by a number of people for verification of the total numberof votes recorded foreach candidate or issue.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine whichrequires little space for storage and which is corrosion-free.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine which maybe electrically connected to a central location to provide signalsthereto for recording the vote at this central location.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine which iscomplete in itself and which can be easily transported to a centrallocation for the counting of the votes in a sealed or unsealedcondition. Another object of the invention is to provide a votingmachine which verifies the number of voters using the machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine which canbe operated from batteries.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the inventiondisclosed herein will become more apparent from consideration of thefollowing specification and accompanying drawings wherein likecharacters of reference designate corresponding parts throughout theseveral views and in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view ofan assembled voting machine;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the voting machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the control modules of theinvention; I

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a vote module of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the vote module shown in FIG. 4showing the plug connection therefor;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the write-in vote module of theinvention;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of two modules showing how thevote recording counters are reset;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the write-in module with portions thereofremoved to show the internal components thereof;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 99 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 1010 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial perspective view showing the constructionof the cover door of the write-in module; I

FIG. 12 is an electrical schematic diagram for the input module of theinvention;

FIG. 13 is an electrical schematic diagram fo the party control moduleof the invention;

FIG. l4 is an electricalschematic diagram for the party vote module ofthe invention;

FIG. 15 is an electrical schematic diagram for the write-in vote moduleof the invention;

FIG. 16 is an electrical schematic diagram for the individual controlmodule of the invention;

FIG. 17 is an electrical schematic diagram for the individual votemodule of the invention;

FIG. 18 is an electrical schematic diagram for the terminal module ofthe invention;

FIG. 19' is an electrical schematic diagram for the slave input moduleof the invention;

FIG. 20 is an electrical schematic diagram for the multiple controlmodule of the invention;

FIG. 21 is an electrical schematic diagram for part of an assembledvoting machine;

FIG. 22 is an electrical schematic diagram for the reset of theassembled voting machine of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a partial elevational view of a second embodiment of thelockout means to prevent overvoting;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the lockout means shown in FIG. 23;and

FIG. 25 is an electrical schematic diagram showing the multiple controlmodule in use.

These figures and the following detailed description disclose specificembodiments of the invention; however, the inventive concept is notlimited thereto since it may be embodied in other forms.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS Referring in detail to thefigures of the drawings, it will be seen that the apparatus of theinvention illustrated is a built-up structure using an assembly ofdifferent types of modules, blocks or closures which fit together toform the completed voting machine. It is to be understood, however,that, while one particular arrangement of modules is depicted in thedrawings, the voting machine may have a variety of arrangements to suitthe particular requirements of a particular plebiscite.

In the embodiment chosen for illustrating our invention, the majorcomponents include a plurality of modules M, a power supply PS, and thesupport frame assembly J. There are, however, basically nine differenttypes of modules M associated with the machine, these being an inputmodule 10, a party control module 11, a party vote module 12, individualcontrol module 14, an individual vote module 15, a write-in vote module16, a terminal module 18, a slave input module 19 and a multiple controlmodule 20. The modules M are illustrated assembled to form a generalelection section designated by the letters GES and an independentelection section designated by the letters IES.

The input module 10 properly connects the other modules to the'powersupply PS to operate the same. In the disclosed embodiment of themachine, the module 10 also provides the total vote pulse producingfunction for the machine, the reset function of the machine, and thecorrect function of the machine. There is one module 10 associated witheach voting machine.

The party control module 11 controls the lockout function for all of thevote modules l2, l5 and 18 in the general election section GES. Itrenders the select portions of the modules 12, 15 and 18 inoperativewhen one of the vote modules 12 is energized. It does not, however, haveany effect on the vote modules 15 and 18 in the independent electionsection IES. There will be one party control module 11 associated witheach general election section GES.

The party vote module 12 controls the select function for one party inthe general election section GES. There will be one module 12 for eachparty in the general election. The module 12 also controls the groundreturn path for the control modules 11 and 14 in the general electionsection GES to carry out the lockout function.

An individual control module 14 is associated with each individual racein both the general election section GES and the independent electionsection IES. The modules 14 control the lockout function for eachpolitical race. They render the select portion of those modules 15 and18 in their particular race inoperative to prevent overvoting. When themodule 14 is used in the general'election section GES, it also controlsthe ground return path for the party control module 11 to carry out thelockout function.

An individual vote module l5'is associated with each candidate in eachpolitical race in both the general election section GES and theindependent election section IES. Each module 15 controls the groundreturn path of its associated individual control module 14 for thatpolitical race to carry out the lockout function thereof. 7 v r Awrite-in vote module 18 is associated with each political race in whichwritein votes are expected. Each module 18 performs a select functionand controls the ground return path as does the modules 15. In addition,each module 18 provides an internally carried write-in ballot for thevoter to write in his vote. It is also understood that a write-in votemodule 18 may be provided for write-in party voting in the partygrouping of the general election section GES.

A terminal module 16 is associated at the end of each general electionsection GES and at the end of each unit of the voting machine carried bythe frame assembly J. The modules 16 provide ground return paths for themodules 11-16 between it and the input module 10 as well as a transferof the total vote pulse producing function, the reset function, and thecorrection function to the other modules 14-16 in that unit of thevoting machinecarried by each frame assembly 1.

The slave input module 19 allows a voting machine to be madeup ofseveral units, each unit being carried by a separate frame assembly J.This makes provision for the voting machine to be expanded to encompassany size election while controlling the election with one input module10. The slave input module 19 is placed in the same position in each ofthe additional units of the voting machine as is the input module 10 inthe first unit of the machine. it is connected to the module 10 directlyor indirectly through other modules 19 and transfers thetotal vote pulseproducing function,- the reset function, and the correct-function fromthe module 10 to the modules 11-18 in that unit associated with theslave input module19.

The multiple control module 20 makes provision for voting for more thanone candidate in a political race such as is usually the casefor'cou'nty commissioners. The multiple control module 20 isplacedbetween the control module 14 and the vote modules 15 and 18 inthe multiple vote race. The module 20serves to bypass the lockoutfunction of its associated, modules 14, 15 and 16 until the voter hasselectedthe prescribed number of candidates in that particular race.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated, the

vote counter for each party or candidate iscarried in the particularvote module 12, 15 or 18 associated with that candidate. Until the votermakes his selection, none of the counters are connected to ground or tothe hot wire. When the select switch of a module 12, 15 or 18 isdepressed by the voter-to select the candidate for which he wants tovote, the associated counter is connected to ground. When the inputmodule 10 is actuated to perform the vote pulse producing function, itconnects all of the counters to a hot wire. This actuates these countersconnected to ground to record the votes. in this manner, the voltage canbe imposed across the counters until the vote lever is pulled.

While the vote lever to initiate the total vote producing function islocated in the input module 10, it is understood that it may be remotelylocated and still operate properly. While the correct lever to initiatethe correct function of the machine is located in the input module 10,it likewise may be remotely located and still operate properly. The votecounters are illustrated located in each vote module 12, 15 or 18;however, it is understood that these counters may be easily locatedremotely of the machineand still operate properly sim- 6 ply by theirconnection tothe pulse producing circuitry of the invention. Likewise,it is understood that a central computer vote counting station may beconnected to the vote pulse producing circuitry of the invention tocumulatively record the votes from several remote voting locations.

FRAME ASSEMBLY The frame assembly J supports the various modules 10-20when they are assembled and presents them at a convenient height andangle for voting. The frame assembly J includes a pair of spaced apartparallel support rods 21which are generally vertically oriented when thevoting machine is in use. The upper ends of the support rods 21 arejoined by an upper end cap 22 which is fixed with respect to the supportrods 2l. The lower ends of the support rods 21 extend through a lowerend cap 24 through appropriate apertures 23 therein with the modules10-20 being selectively carried in different numbers between the upperend cap 22 and the lower end cap 24. For selectively locking the modules10-20 between the end caps 22 and 24, a plurality of apertures 25 areprovided through each of the support rods 21 with the apertures 25 ofone support rod 21 being aligned with the apertures 25 in the othersupport rod 21. A locking pin 26 is selectively extendable through apassage 28 through the lower end cap 24 and through appropriateapertures 25 through the support rods 21 to affix the'selective numberof modules 10-20 between the end caps 22 and 24. An appropriate passage29 is provided through one end of the locking pin 26 and a head 30' isprovided on the other end of the locking pin 26 so that a conventionalpadlock P may be inserted through passage 28 to lock the pin 26 inposition and prevent the disassembly of the voting machine until thepadlock P is removed.

The frame assembly J also includes a support stand which may be mountedon a conventional table T and includes a support plate 31 definingappropriate passages 32 therethrough which receive the support rods 21therethrough and position the voting machine at the desired angle. Theheight of the table T determines the vertical position of the votingmachine when it is placed on the support plate 31. Therefore, it willbeseen that ways be tightly locked between the end caps 22 and 24 andcannot be disassembled until the padlock is removed from the locking pin26. In this manner, the voting machine can be assembled at one location,then transported to the polling station, and placed in the support plate31 for the voting to takeplace. After the voting is completed, thevoting machine is removed from the support plate 31 and taken to acentral tabulating station so that the total vote may be tabulated fromthe counters indicating the vote on the voting machine.

Each of the illustrated modules 10-20 are of standard thin wallconstruction and are provided with a positioning lug L at each endthereof as best seen in FIGS. 1-6 which position the modules between thesupport rods 21 in a stacked relationship. It is understood that themodules 10-20 may be a molded unit with the components positionedtherein prior to molding. This type construction is ideally suited forthe modules since the cost thereof is so low that a module can bediscarded rather than repaired when it functions improperly. Also, thecomponents may be first encapsulated and then placed -in the module.

The fronts of modules 12 and 15 are provided with windows 23 which havespaces for candidate and party cards. Modules 11-15 and are providedwith overhanging lips 27 which close the top of the window 23 of thenext lower module when the machine is assembled to prevent the cardsfrom being changed during the-election or before disassembly.

INPUT MODULE The module 10 is best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 and in theelectrical schematic of FIGS. 12 and 21.

The illustrated input'module 10 carries the vote lever 35 which causesthe vote selected for each race to be recorded. A correct lever 36 isalso provided which allows correctionprior to the time vote lever 35 ispulled to record the votes.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 12 and 21, the module 10 isconnected to the power supply PS through terminals X, Y and Z. Commonground wire 40 is connected to terminal Y, and common hot wire 41 isconnected to terminal Z. A reset unit 42 which resets the voting machinefor the next voter is connected to the module 10 through terminals Q, R,T and V. The module 10 is provided with a plug connection A with anumber of connections designated 10-1 to 10-9.

Each side of each of the modules 11-18 and 20 is provided withcorresponding plug connections, the female portion B located on one sideand the male portion A on the opposite side. In this manner the modulescan be stacked between the guide rods 21 and connections madetherebetween. Each connection of each module will be referenced by themodule designation with a connection number suffix and a letter suffixto indicate male or female portion. For example, the first male portionof the module 11 connection will be designated l1-1A. These connectionsmate with each other and with connections 10-1 to 10-9 of the module 10.The connections 1A and 1B are associated with the common ground wireforthe circuit and the connections 7A and 7B are associated with the commonhot wire for the circuit. Connections 8A and 88 a are associated withthe vote pulse producing function of the circuit while connections 9Aand 9B are associated with the reset and correct function of thecircuit. Connections 2A and 2B, 3A and 33, 4A and 48, 5A and 5B, and 6Aand 6B serve as ground controls for the select portions of the circuitand are therefore associated with the lockout function of the circuit toprevent overvoting.

Common hot wire 41 is connected to hot wire 44 which is in turnconnected to the connection 10-7. Common ground wire 40 is connecteddirectly to connection 10-1. Wire 45 connects ground wire 40 with PB-2and normally closed contacts R2-2 of relay R2 in.

series with each other and in parallel with normally open contacts R1-2.Therefore, it will be seen that closing switch PB-l or contacts R1-2will connect wire 49 to common ground wire 40. If relay R2 is energized,switch PB-2 becomes ineffective. Connecting secondary ground wire 49 tocommon ground wire 40 resets all of the modules 10-16 and 18f Secondaryhot wire 50 is connected to connection 10-8 and to hot wire 44 throughnormally open contacts R2-1 of relay R2. Therefore, it will be seen thatwire 50 will have a voltage applied thereto when relay R2 is energizedby closing switch PB-l or the vote switch. This serves to activate thevote counters associated with each of the activated vote modules 12, 15and 16, as will be explained hereinafter, to record votes for theselected candidates. Coil RC2 of relay R2 is maintained energized afterswitch PB-l is opened by wire 51 which connects one side of coil RC2with secondary hot wire 50. Coil RC2 is de-energized when contacts R1-1are opened by energizing relay R1.

Coil RC1 of relay R1 is connected between hot wire 41 and ground wire 45through connection Q, reset pushbutton switch PB-3 of reset unit 42, andconnection R. Therefore, it will be seen that closing switch PB-3 willclose contacts R1-2 to connect wire 49 to ground and open contacts Rl-lto de-energize relay R2 and reset the machine.

Reset unit also includes an indicator light L1. connected between groundwire 45 and secondary hot wire 50 through connection R and connection V.Thus, when voltage is applied to wire 50, light Ll will be illuminatedto indicate to the poll worker that voting has taken place. When switchPB-3 is closed by the poll Worker, voltage is removed from wire 50because contacts R2-1 are opened and light L1 goes out.

To indicate the total number of people who have voted on the votingmachine and for verifying the vote cards kept by the poll worker, acounter C-l is provided in the input module 10. The counter C-l iselectrically operated and is connected between ground wire 40 andsecondary hot wire 50'. Therefore, when switch PB-l is closed, counterC-1 will be activated to record that one person has voted. The counterC-l will be covered until the voting machine is transported to thecentral tabulating station as will be explained hereinafter.

Connection 10-2 is connected to ground wire 40 for connection with theindividual control module 14 as described hereinafter. Connections Ithrough V are provided for connection to the slave input module 19.Connection l is connected to secondary hot wire 50, connection ll isconnected with secondary ground wire 49, connection Ill is connected tohot wire 44 and connection IV is connected to common ground wire 40through wire 45. In this manner, more than one stack of modules 11-18may be controlled by the control module 10 as will be explainedhereinafter.

. n 9 I lARTY CONTROL MODULE The party control module 11 controls theparty vote modules 12 connected thereto and is best seen in FIGS. 3, 4and 13. The module 11 includes a ready light L2 which indicates when theparty vote section is ready to operate, a reset relay R3 and anoperational relay R4 which controls overvoting in the party andindividual candidate voting sections. I

Ground connection 11-1A is connected directly to connection 11-18through wire 54 and wire 54 is connected to connection 11-28. Wire 54 isalso connected to control connection 11-58 through normally closedcontacts R3-2 of relay R3 and to connection 11-68 through normally opencontacts R3-l of relay R3 and wire 52. Wire 52 is also connected tocontrol connection 11-48 through normally open contacts R4-1 of relayR4.

H01 connection 11-.7A is connected directly to connection 11-78 throughwire 55 and secondary hot connection l1-8A is connected directly toconnection 11-88. Secondary ground connection 11-94 is connecteddirectly to connection 11-98 through wire 56.

Coil RC3 of relay R3 is connected between wire 56 and 55 and coil RC4 ofrelay R4 is connected between wires 55 and 52. Light L2 is connectedacross coil RC4 chine and to correct the machine prior to the time thevote, lever 35 is pulled. This feature will be more fully explained inthe operation section.

PARTY- VOTE MODULE The party vote module 12 is best seen in FIGS. and14. It includes a selectpushbutton switch P8-4 for selecting aparticular part in the election, there being one module 12 for eachparty in the race. When the switch P8-4 is momentarily closed, a counterC-2 associated with the module 12 will be connected for activation whenvote lever 35 is pulled and a select light L3 will be illuminated.

Referring specifically to FIG. 14, ground connection 12-1A is connecteddirectly to connection 12-18, control connection l2-2A is connected toconnection 12-28 through normally closed contacts R6-2 and controlconnection l2-4A is connected directly to connection 12-48. Controlconnection 12-5A is connectedto connection 12-58 through wire 58 andcontrol connection 12-6A is connected to connection 12-68 through wire60. Hotconnection 12-7A is connected to connection 12-7B'through wire59. Secondary hot connection l2-8A is connected to connection 12-88.through wire 61, and secondary ground connection 12-9A is connecteddirectly to connection 12-98.

Coil RC5 of relay R5 is connected between wires 59 and 60 in series withselect pushbu tton "switch PB-4. Relay R5 serves to initiate theconnection of the counter to ground.

Counter C-2 is connected to wire 61 and to normally open contacts R6-1of relay R6 through wire 62 and contacts R6-] are in turn connected towire 58 through wire 64. Wire 65 connectes one side of coil RC6 of relayR6 to wire 59 and wire 66 connects the other side of coil RC6 tonormally open contacts RS-1 of relay R5. Contacts R5-1 are in turnconnected to wire 64. Wire 68 connects wires 66 and 62 and select lightL3 is connected between wires 65 and 62. Relay R6 serves to hold counterC-2 connected to ground until deenergized when the machine is reset. I

The party vote module 12 always follows a party control module 11 oranother vote inodule 12 which is in turn connected to the party controlmodule 11. In this manner wire 59 will always be connected directly tocommon hot wire 41, wire 61 will always be connected directly tosecondary hot wire 50. Wire 58 will be connected to common ground wire40 through normally closed contacts R3-2. Wire .60 will be connected toground wire 40 through contacts R4-1, the modules 12-16 and 20 betweenthe module 12 and the terminal module 18, and back through each of thecontacts R6-2 in the party vote modules 12.

When contacts R4-l are closed and there is-a ground path availablethrough the modules 12-16 and 20 as will be explained later, relay R5will be energized to close contacts R5-l. This energizes relay R6 byconnecting coil RC6 to ground wire 40 through contacts R3-2. Energizingrelay R6 opens contacts R6-2 and closes contacts R6-1 associated withthe energized relay R6. Closing contacts R6-1 maintains coil RC6 andcounter C-2 connected to ground wire 40 through contacts R3-2. Openingcontacts R6- 2 interrupts the ground path for wire 60 and relays R5 sothat relay R5 is not only de-energized, but cannot be re-energized whenswitch 88-5 is closed. This condition .is maintained until relay R3isenergized to open'contacts R3-2 and interrupt the groundpath of relayR6 and counter C-2.

INDIVIDUAL CONTROL MODULE The individual control module 14 is similar indesign to the control module 11 as seen in FIG 1, 2 and 16 and controlsthe individual candidate or issue section of the voting machine. It isprovided with a ready light L4 to indicate when the individual votingsection is operational and includes a reset relay R8 for resetting orcorrecting the individual vote section. An operational relay R7 is alsoprovided for maintaining the individual vote section operational.

Referring more specifically to FIG. 16, ground connection 14-1A isconnected to connection 14-18 by wire 69 while control connection 14-2Ais connected to connection 14-28 by wire 70. Control connection l4-3A isconnected to wire 70 and control connection 14-4A is connected toconnection 14-48 through normally open contacts R7-1 of relay R7. Wire71 connects normally open contacts R8-1 with wire 69 and wire 72connects contacts R7-1 with connection 14-68. Wire 71 is connected toconnection 14-58 through normally closed contacts R8-2 and wire 72 isconnected to connection 14-38 through normally open contacts R7-2 ofrelay R7.

Wire 74 connects hot connection14-7A with connection 14-7B, secondaryhotconnection l4-8A is connected directly to connection 14-88, and wire75 connects secondary ground connection 14-9A with connection 14-98.Coil RC8 of relay R8 is connected between wires 74 and 75 and coil RC7of relay R7 is connected between wires 72 and 74. Ready light L4 isconnected across coil RC7 in parallel therewith.

Relay R8 performs the same function as relay R3 when wire 75 ismomentarily connected to ground by closing contacts R8-1 and openingcontacts R8-2. This connects coil RC7 to ground, and disconnects thecounters of the vote modules '15 associated therewith from ground. Thisenergizes relay R7 and holds it in that condition for the module 15associated therewith to operate as will be further explained in theoperation section.

INDIVIDUAL VOTE MODULE The individual vote module 15, as best seen inFIG. 1, 2 and 17, is similarin construction to the vote module 12 and isprovided with a select pushbutton switch PB-S for selecting a particularcandidate or issue. A plurality of modules 15 are connected to thecontrol module 14 andoperate in a manner similar to the party votesection. There is one module 15 for each candidate and issue in theelection.

As seenin FIG. 17, ground connection lS-lA is connected directly toconnection 15-1B, control connection l-2A is connected directly toconnection -2B, control connection 15-4A is connected directly toconnection 15-4B, and secondary ground connection 15-9A is connecteddirectly to connection 15-9B. Control connection 15-3A is connected toconnection 153B through normally closed contacts RIO-2 of relay R10, andwire 76 connects control connection 15-5A with connection l5-5B'.Control connection 15-6A is connected to connection 15-6B by wire 78,wire 79 connects hot connection 15-7A with connection l5-7B andsecondary hot connection l5-8A is connected to connection 15-8B by wire80.

Coil RC9 is connected between wires 78 and '79 in series with selectpushbutton switch PB-S. One side of vote counter C-3 is connected towire 80 and the other side of counter C-3 is connected to normally opencontacts Rl0-l of relay R10 by wire 81. Normally open contacts R10-l arein turn connected to wire 76 by wire 82. One side of coil RC10 of relayR10 is connected to wire 79 by wire 84 and the other side thereof isconnected to normally open contacts R9-l of relay R9 by wire 85. Thecontacts R9-l are also connected to wire 82. Wire 85 is connected towire 81 by wire 86 and lamp L5 is connected between wires 84 and 81.Relay R9 serves to initiate the connection of the counter C-3 to groundand relay R6 serves to hold counter C-3 connected to ground untildeenergized when the machine is reset. When a voltage is imposed on wire80, those counter C-3 will record one vote for the selected candidate orissue.

WRITE-IN VOTE MODULE The write-in vote module 16 is best seen in FIGS.6', 8-11, and 15. It presents a section of blank paper tape 90 to thevoter if he decides to write in his vote. The tape 90 is hidden by acover door 91 until the vote lever is pulled. The tape 90 is carriedwithin a carriage 150 by a driven spool 92 and an idler spool 94 withthe driven spool 92. Atape and door release mechanism'98 releases thetape 90 and opens the door 91 so that a predetermined amount of blanktape 90 is presented to the voter. The door 91 is closed by a closuremechanism 99 when the voting machine is reset. Therefore,

the tape 90 is presented for voting and then stored internally in themachine. I

Referring more specifically to FIGS. 8-11, the module 16 includes ahousing 100 defining an opening 101 in the front wall thereof. Anopening 102 is provided in the rear wall of the housing 100 for theinsertion therethrough of the cartridge 150 which carries the spools 92and 94 and the tape 90. When the cartridge 150 is fully seated in thehousing 100, a locking pin 151 is passed through the side wall 103 andlug 104 of the housing 100 and through appropriate apertures through thecartridge 150 to lock the same in the housing 100. A padlock P is passedthrough the end of the pin 151 and a lug 96 affixed to the housing 100to keep the cartridge 150 in place until the votes are ready to becounted.

The spools 92 and 94 are rotatably mounted in the cartridge 150 and theidler spool 94 is equipped with a resistance device of conventionaldesign to maintain a tension on the tape as it is transferred from thespool 94 to the spool 92. A support table 152 is provided in the forwardend of the cartridge 150. The tape 90 passes over the table 152 as itpasses from the spool 94 to the spool 92. When the cartridge 150 is inposition in the housing 100, the support table 152 presents the tape 90directly behind the opening 101 for the voter to write thereon. Idlerrolls 154 direct the tape 90 over the table 152 and between spools 92and 94.

A hysteresis electric motor carried by the housing is drivinglyconnected to the spool 92, when the cartridge is in position, by agearing arrangement 105. The motor 95 is constantly energized but themovement of the tape 90 is intermittently stopped by a check pin 155.

The check pin 155 is slidably carried by one of the side walls of thecartridge 150 adjacent the tape 90 as it passes from the spool 94 to thespool 92. The pin 155 has a projection 156 which engages one of a seriesof pre-punched holes 158 (FIG. 10) through the tape 90 when the pin 155is pressed toward the tape 90. The holes 158 are punched a predetermineddistance apart so that a blank piece of the tape 90 will be presentedover the table 152 each time the pin 155 releases the tape 90 andre-engages the next hole 158. A leaf spring 159 constantly urges thepin155 away from the tape 90 and a release mechanism 98 intermittentlyurges the pin 155 toward the tape 90 to arrest the movement thereof.

The tape 90 may be of any of a number of materials. The tape 90 shown isa paper tape commercially available on the market today and hassufficient strength to prevent it from tearing when the projection 156engages the holes 158.

The release mechanism 98 is carried by the housing 100 adjacent the pin155 when the cartridge 150 is in position. A bell-crank 111 connected toa solenoid SOL-l urges the pin 155 toward the tape 90 in its normalunenergized position. When the solenoid SOL-l is energized, the plunger112 thereof is retracted to release pin 155 and allow spring 159 to moveprojection 156 out of hole 158. This permits the tape 90 to advance.Solenoid SOL-1 is only momentarily energized so that pin 155 will againbe urged toward tape 90 and projection 156 will engage the next hole 158to arrest movement of tape 90. A blank piece of tape 90 is nowpositioned under opening 101. A cam 110 on the bell '13 crank 1 11allows the cartridge 150 to be inserted in the housing 100 withoutinterference with pin 156.

I At the same time the tape 90 is released, the mechanism 98 alsoreleases the cover door 91 so that it may be opened for the write-invote. The door 91 is pivoted to the housing 100 at 114 and is providedwith a catch lug 115 which extends into the housing 100 through slot 116when the door 91 is closed. A bolt assembly 118 carried within thehousing 100 engages the catch lug 115 and holds the door closed.

The bolt assembly 118 includes a bolt 119 slidably carried within thehousing and arranged for extension into a passage 120 through the lug115 when the door is closed. The bolt 119 is urged by spring 117 towardthe lug 115 and both the bolt and lugare complementarily beveled tocause the bolt 119 to retract as the door 91 is closed and then extendinto the passage 120 when the door is fully closed. This locks the doorin a closed position.

An extension 121 affixed to the bolt 119 is engaged by the bell crank111 as the plunger 112 is retracted to retract the bolt 119. This allowsthe door 91 to open and expose the tape 90 under the opening 110. Assoon as solenoid SOL-1 is de-energized, the bolt 119 is returned to itsextended position by'spring 117.

The assembly 99 opens and closes the door 91 once it is unlatched. Theassembly 99 includes a solenoid SOL-2 which has its plunger 122 pinnedto arm 124 attached to door 91. The solenoid SOL-21s pivotally mountedin housing 100 so that extension of plunger 122 opens door 91 andretraction thereof closed door In its normal de-energized position, theplunger 122 is urged toward extension. Therefore, when the door 91 isunlatched, it is automatically opened. When solenoid SOL-2 is energized,plunger 122 is retracted and the door 91 closed. Since the bolt 1l9isextended when the door 91 is closed, the door will be latched in itsclosed position. i

As will be further explained in the operation section, the solenoidSOL-lwill be energized when vote lever 35 is pulled to open door 91'.Solenoid SOL-2 will be energized when reset switch PB-3 is closed toclose door 91.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 15, ground connection l8-1A isconnected to connection 18-1B by wire 125, control connection 18-5A isconnected to connectionlS-SB by wire 126, and wire 128 connects controlconnection 18-6A with connection 18-6B. Wire 129 connects hot connection18-7A with connection 18-7B, secondary hot connection 18-8A is connectedto connection 18-8Bby wire 130, and wire 131 connects secondary groundconnection 18-9A with connection 18-913. Control connection 18-2A isconnected directly to connection 18-2B, control connection l8-4A'isconnected directly to connection 18-413, and control connection 18-3A isconnected toconnection 18-313 through normally closed contacts R12-2 ofrelay R12.

The motor 95is connected between wires 129 and 125. CoilRCll of relayR11 is connected between wires 128 and 129 in series with selectpushbutton switch PB-6 for selectingia write-in vote to be made. Oneside of counter C-4 is connected to wire 130 while wire 135 connects theother side of counter C-4 to normallyopen contacts R12-1 of relay R12.Wire 136 connects contacts R12-l to wire 126. Wire 132 conwhile theother side of coiljRC12 is connected to nor-' mally open contacts R11-1of relay R11 by wire 134. Contacts R11-1 are in turn connected to wire136. Wire 138 connects wires 134 and 135 and select light L6 isconnected between wires 132 and 135.

Therefore, it will be seen that the above described portion of thecircuit associated with relays R11 and R12 and counter C-4 operates inamanner similar to the corresponding portions of the votemodules 12 and15. Moreover, the motor is constantly energized as will be furtherexplained hereinafter.

Solenoid SOL-1 is connected between wires and and solenoid SOL-2 isconnected between wires 130 and 131. When counter 04 is energized,solenoid SOL-1 will also beenergized to open the door 91.

When the machine is reset, solenoid DOL-2 is ener-' gized to close thedoor 91 as set forth in the operation section.

TERMINAL MODULE- The terminal module 18 is best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and18 and is placed at the end of each unit carried by the frame assembly.1 as well as between a general election section CBS and an independentelection section IES. The terminal module 18 serves two function sifirst, it provides a ground return path for the lockout and selectionportions of the modules associated therewith and secondly, transfers thevote pulse producing function, the correction function, and the resetfunction to those modules following it. 1

As best seen in FIG. 18, ground connection 18-1A is connected toconnection 18-1B, hot connection 18-7A to connection 18-78, secondaryhot connection 18-8A to connection 18-88, and secondary ground.

connection IS-9A to connection 18-98. Control connection 18-213 is alsoconnected to ground connections 18-1A and 18-1B. Control connections18-2A, 18-3A and 18-4A are all connected to each other.

SLAVE INPUT MODULE The slave input module 19 as best seen in FIG. 19 hasthe same type housing as the terminal modulelS. It is used when severalmodule stacks carried by different frame assemblies are necessary foreach voting machine and serves to transfer the functionsof the inputmodule 10 so that one vote lever 35 and correct lever 36 control theentire machine. The module 19 is placed in the same position in thestack as the module 10.

Module 19 is provided with connections IA-VA which correspond toconnections I-V of the input module 10. These corresponding connectionsare connected to each other via a coaxial cable (not shown) so that thefunctions of the module 10 will be transferred to that stack of modulesassociated with the slave module 19.

Module 19 is also provided with connections lB-VB which are connected tocorresponding connections IA-VA so that other modules 19' may beconnected thereto. This allows further expansion of the voting machine.

The module 19 is also provided with connections 19-1 through 19-9 whichcorrespond to connections 10-1 through 10-9 of module'10. Connection IVAis connected to connections 19-1 and '19-2,'co'nnection IIIA toconnection 19-7, connection IIA to connection 19-9 and IA to connection19-8. This causes the mod-

1. A voting machine constructed of a number of selectively removablemodules including: a. power supply means; b. at least one controlmodule, said control module being operatively associated with said powersupply means; c. an operable control element effective for transmittinga power pulse from said power supply means in response to operation ofsaid control element; d. at least two vote counting modules, each ofsaid vote counting modules including power operable counting means forserially accumulating individual votes cast for a candidate in anelection, said counting means including selectively operable countingcontrol means movable between an operative count input condition and aninoperative condition and wherein a count of one is registered in saidcounting means when said counting control means is in said operativeinput condition and in response to a power pulse delivered from saidpower supply means by actuation of said control element; e. releasableconnecting elements provided on each of said counting modules and saidcontrol module for releasably interconnecting said modules in anoperative relationship, said releasable connecting elements transmittingpower to saiD counting means and transmitting power from certain of saidconnecting elements to certain other of said connecting elements,whereby power from said power supply means can be transmitted throughsaid control module to each of said counting modules; f. a write-inmeans including means for connecting said write-in means to one of saidcounting or control modules whereby power from said power supply meanscan be transmitted between said counting modules, said control moduleand said write-in means; and g. write-in control means for said write-inmeans movable between an inoperative condition and operative write-incondition and effective when in said operative write-in condition forrendering certain of said vote counting means ineffective and forpresenting write-in recording means to a record position.
 2. A votingmachine as described in claim 1 including means for retaining saidwrite-in control means to its inoperative position after said controlelement has been actuated.
 3. A voting machine as described in claim 1wherein said write-in control means includes means for incrementallyadvancing said write-in recording means, in each cycle of the machinewhen said write-in control means is moved to its operative position. 4.A voting machine constructed of a number of selectively removablemodules including: a. power supply means; b. at least one controlmodule, said control module being operatively associated with said powersupply means and including an operable control element effective fortransmitting a power pulse from said power supply means in response tooperation of said control element; c. at least two vote countingmodules, each of said vote counting modules including power operablecounting means detailed for serially accumulating individual votes castfor a candidate in an election, said counting means includingselectively operable counting control means movable between an operativecount input condition and an inoperative condition and wherein a countof one is registered in said counting means when said counting controlmeans is in said operative input condition and in response to a powerpulse delivered from said power supply means by actuation of saidcontrol element on said control module; d. first and second groups ofreleasable connecting elements provided on each of said counting modulesand said control module for releasably interconnecting said modules inan operative relationship, said releasable connecting elements detailedfor transmitting power to said module counting control means and fortransmitting power from one group of said connecting elements to saidother group of connecting elements, whereby power from said power supplymeans can be transmitted through said control module to each of saidcounting modules; and, e. a write-in module, said write-in moduleincluding means for releasably and operatively connecting said write-inmodule to one of said counting or control modules whereby power fromsaid power supply means can be transmitted between said countingmodules, said control module and said write-in module, said write-inmodule includes an operative control means movable between an operativewrite-in condition and an inoperative condition and effective when insaid operative write-in condition for presenting write-in recordingmeans to a recorded position in response to said control means being insaid operative condition.
 5. A voting machine as described in claim 4further characterized in that said write-in module includes interlockmeans operatively associated with said vote counting module interlockmeans whereby movement of said write-in counting module contol means tosaid operative condition will render said vote counting module controlmeans ineffective and movement of one of said vote counting modulecontrol means to said operative condition renders said write-in modulecontrol means and said other counting module control means ineffective.